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‘God’s providence’ brings new Catholic bishop to his place among Utah’s faith leaders

New bishop points to the sanctity of life in urging Utahns to help all reach their “divine potential.”

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune People arrive for the installation of Bishop Oscar Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at Cathedral of the Madeleine Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Utah's newly installed Catholic bishop stood before more than a thousand people packed into the pews inside the Cathedral of the Madeleine and urged them to remember his name.

"It is Oscar Solis, not Jesus Christ," said the tall, eloquent bishop. "I am not the Messiah, just a humble servant."

Such a self-deprecating reminder is characteristic of the nation's first Filipino Catholic bishop, known widely as a man full of faith, but not full of himself.

Solis was installed Tuesday afternoon as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City in an elaborately choreographed pageant of ritual, reflection and response.

It began with a reverent procession of men in multicolored plumed hats, followed by white-robed priests (including more than a hundred from his previous ministry in the Los Angeles archdiocese) and miter-wearing bishops (including several from L.A. as well as at least one from Solis' native Philippines) down the center aisle, while trumpets, organ pipes and choral music filled the sacred space.

Pope Francis' U.S. representative, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, said Salt Lake City was a "special portion of the Lord's vineyard." He praised Utah's more than 300,000 Catholics, their majestic headquarters cathedral (the only one in the United States named for Mary Magdalene) and read a letter from the pontiff, attesting to Solis' suitability as leader and shepherd in the Beehive State.

Pierre then presented the new bishop with a staff, and Solis literally took the bishop's seat, a thronelike chair facing the altar.

The affable Filipino, who previously served as auxiliary bishop in Los Angeles, individually greeted a host of ecumenical and civic representatives who streamed up to the dais — including the Rev. Michael Imperiale of the nearby First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. France Davis of Calvary Baptist Church, imam Muhammed Mehtar of the Khadeeja Islamic Center as well as Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams and Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski.

Mormon apostles M. Russell Ballard and D. Todd Christofferson, representing Utah's predominant religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with L. Whitney Clayton, senior president of the Seventy, also welcomed the new bishop.

Readings were conducted in English, Spanish, Creole, Polish, Tongan, Vietnamese and (Filipino) Tagalog.

The main attraction, naturally, was the new bishop — and he knew expectations were high, especially since Utah Catholics had been waiting for nearly two years for a new leader.

Just before he stepped up to speak, the cathedral's music had built to an emotional and physical crescendo.

"I feel like I'm still in Hollywood," Solis quipped, as he began his remarks, drawing a laugh from the crowd.

He then asked the priests, deacons and laymen and laywomen of Utah to stand and be recognized for their efforts holding the diocese together after the departure in 2015 of former Bishop John C. Wester, now archbishop of Santa Fe.

Solis shared his newfound awe for Utah's history, culture and natural wonders — including the Wasatch Mountains and stunning redrock formations.

"We are here because of the tremendous work and ministry of … the men and women who dedicated themselves to this church," he said. "This beautiful cathedral stands as a living testimony to the sacrifices of the Catholic community, working together with brothers and sisters of other churches and people of the state."

Believers of all faiths, he counseled, must remain "witnesses in the midst of the many challenges we face in our world and in our nation."

Catholics must work for religious freedom and to protect "the sanctity of life in all stages," he said, to help immigrants and refugees, to be inclusive of all populations, and to help people "live and grow to reach their divine potential."

It is important to "gather around this altar," Solis said, "representative peoples of every race, ethnicity, cultural background, social status and even sexual orientation."

Solis said he is intimidated by the legacy of his Utah predecessors — Wester and Bishops George H. Niederauer and William Weigand.

"It is quite frightening to follow these big dogs," Solis said, who gave his sermon in English, Spanish and Filipino. "I can't help but think of myself as a little puppy — and a mixed breed. ... Except I'm an old dude."

Despite the lofty company, Solis said he accepts the "sacred responsibility to nourish and nurture the people of Utah."

Community members come from "different places, speaking different languages. Each has a different story and a different history," he said. "God's providence brought us together at this time and for a special reason ... to proclaim the joy of the gospel, a call to live in unity and solidarity as God's family, as a community of faith."

Solis' combination of modesty, profundity and humor seemed to win over the audience.

The installation was "inspiring," said Clayton, the LDS general authority. "It was a sacred ceremony that drew us closer to God."

Mehtar, the Muslim imam, loved it. "It showed that spirituality can have a positive impact on humanity."

The Rev. Erik Richtsteig of Ogden's St. James the Just Catholic Church had heard about the Filipino bishop from friends in the City of Angels.

Solis "definitely lived up to his reviews," Richtsteig said.

The new bishop's two sisters came as well — Celia Solis Tapia from the Philippines and Anggie Solis Pacubag from San Jose, Calif.

The entire Filipino contingent had been praying for snow, Tapia said, while Utah Catholics had been imploring the heavens for better weather.

So when Tapia arrived in the midst of Sunday's blizzard, she was delighted. With a sly grin, not unlike her bishop-brother, Tapia said, the storm "shows that Filipino prayers are more powerful than Utah's."

After the Mass, as her 6-foot-2 brother towered above the Filipino faithful eager to get a photo on the cathedral's steps, Pacubag was visibly moved by the splendor of the ceremony.

"It was," she said without irony, "chilling."

pstack@sltrib.com

Twitter: @religiongal

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune People arrive for the installation of Bishop Oscar Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at Cathedral of the Madeleine Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune People arrive for the installation of Bishop Oscar Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at Cathedral of the Madeleine Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar Solis walks into the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar Solis walks into the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar Solis walks into the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar Solis walks into the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar Solis walks into the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar Solis walks into the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar Solis waves to a small crowd of people as he walks into the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar Solis waves to a small crowd of people as he walks into the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar Solis waves to a small crowd of people as he walks into the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar Solis walks to the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar Solis gives a thumbs up as he walks to the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar Solis walks into the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Musicians perform for Bishop Oscar Solis as he walks into the Cathedral of the Madeleine before being installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune People arrive for the installation of Bishop Oscar Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at Cathedral of the Madeleine Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune People arrive for the installation of Bishop Oscar Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at Cathedral of the Madeleine Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune People arrive for the installation of Bishop Oscar Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at Cathedral of the Madeleine Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune People arrive for the installation of Bishop Oscar Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at Cathedral of the Madeleine Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune People arrive for the installation of Bishop Oscar Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at Cathedral of the Madeleine Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar A. Solis greets the congregation following his installment as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Sir Michael Feeley, Monsignor Joseph Mayo and pastor Robert Bussen of Christ the King parish in Cedar City, from left, share a laugh in the Bishop Glass Room during the vesting prior to theinstallation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City takes place at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Rev. Martin Diaz pulls newly installed Bishop Oscar A. Solis back to the front of the church to greet the congregation following installation ceremonies at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune The faithful kiss the hand of Bishop Oscar A. Solis following his installation ceremony as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Laurie Jacobs, principal of St. Olaf Catholic school in Bountiful is joined by students Zachary Moffat, 10, and Michael Pickerd, 7, who were the winners of a school essay contest to attend the installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Wearing traditional dresses, members of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Kearns attend the installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar A. Solis and other priests vest in the Bishop Glass room moments before his installation as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar A. Solis presents the Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis that officially appoints him as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar A. Solis greets M. Russell Ballard, center, and D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church during installation ceremonies at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Archbishop John C. Wester gives communion during installation ceremonies of Bishop Oscar A. Solis at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune The choir gathers at the entrance of Cathedral of the Madeleine at the conclusion of Installation ceremonies of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Newly installed Bishop Oscar A. Solis greets his congregation following cervices at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Newly installed Bishop Oscar A. Solis greets his congregation following cervices at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune The installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City takes place at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Wearing traditional dresses, members of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Kearns attend the installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar A. Solis joins other priests for the vesting prior to his installation ceremony as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune The installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City takes place at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune The installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City takes place at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Wearing traditional dresses, members of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Kearns attend the installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune The Knights of Columbus gather for the procession at Cathedral of the Madeleine moments before theinstallation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Deacon John Kranz joins other priests during the vesting in the Glass Room at the Cathedral of the Madeleine moments before installation ceremonies of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Deacon Guillermo Mendez speaks with Bishop Oscar A. Solis as he assembles his own staff during the vesting in the Glass Room prior to installation ceremonies at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar A. Solis joins other priests during the vesting in the Glass Room prior to installation ceremonies at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Archbishops JosŽ H. Gomez, left, joins former Salt Lake Archbishop John C. Wester as he is acknowledged by the congregation during installation ceremonies of newly appointed bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Archbishop Christophe Pierre, U.S. papal nuncio, reads the Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis, appointing Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the Bishop of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishops join the congregation filling the Cathedral of the Madeleine for the installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishops join the congregation filling the Cathedral of the Madeleine for the installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar A. Solis is embraced by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, U.S. papal nuncio, after he read the Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis, appointing Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the Bishop of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Church leadership consult the seating map following their vesting in the Glass Room of the Cathedral of the Madeleine as they prepare for the installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Deacon George Reade joins priests and bishops in the Glass Room for the vesting prior to the installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Ceremonies draw to a close following the installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Ceremonies draw to a close following the installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Congregation members crowd Bishop Oscar A. Solis as they pose for photographs following the installation ceremony at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Congregation members crowd Bishop Oscar A. Solis as they pose for photographs following the installation ceremony at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Sisters Celia Solis Tapia, left, and Anggie Solis Pacubas talk about their family's love of food and humor as they join the congregation celebrating the installation of their brother Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Ceremonies draw to a close following the installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune The congregation receives communion during mass following installation ceremonies of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Priests greet one another as they extend a sign of peace during installation services at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Priests greet one another as they extend a sign of peace during installation services at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Members of the congregation drink the communion wine during mass at Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar A. Solis celebrates communion during installation ceremony as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Members of the congregation sing during installation services of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar A. Solis kisses the Book of Gospels during his official installation at the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Deacon John Kranz embraces the Book of Gospels during the vesting in the Glass Room at the Cathedral of the Madeleine moments before installation ceremonies of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Deacon John Kranz joins Bishop Oscar A. Solis following the vesting in the Glass Room at Cathedral of the Madeleine moments before installation ceremonies of Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Deacon John Kranz, Rev. Martin Diaz and Bishop Oscar A. Solis, from left, prepare for the installation of Solis as the10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Archbishop John C. Wester who departed in spring 2015 to become archbishop of Santa Fe, acknowledges the cheering crowd at the Cathedral of the Madeleine following installation ceremonies for his successor.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Bishop Oscar A. Solis swings a censer in a ritual where incense helps lift offerings to god during his installation ceremony on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune The installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City takes place at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune The installation of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City takes place at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.